Chapter 39-2

It was now four o’clock and Claire decided that she should make her rounds in the hotel. But before she could get out of her seat, the phone on her desk rang. Claire curiously looked at the caller ID and saw that it was a private number. Only a few people had the number that connected directly to her general manager office. “Hello. This is the general manager of Bishop Lodgings, Claire Sparks speaking. How may I help you?” “How long has she been gone?” It was Logan. A slow grin crept to her lips. “Hello to you too Logan. And what are you talking about?” “I can hear you smiling.” He replied flatly. “You might as well as tell me now since I’ll eventually figure it out later.” “Even if you will find out later, by not telling you now, I’m buying her more time.” Logan sighed heavily. “I can’t believe I allowed myself to be tricked by you. Twice.” “That’s what you get.” Claire replied calmly as she leaned back on her chair. “It turns out I had been holding the last card in our game, but you just forced me to throw it down and end it altogether. But this makes us even completely, right?” “Yes. Even.” He slowly said with disinterest. “If you’re not going to tell me, then goodbye.” “Wait!” Claire quickly shouted and asked, “You’re really going to chase after Julia?” “Of course. I promised her to someone else after my business with her was done.” “What’s that supposed to mean? You’re going to hand her to someone else? So you really are blackmailing her, aren’t you?” Logan curiously asked, “Just how much did she tell you?” “Just enough.” Claire simply said. “Why don’t you leave her alone, Logan? She looks like she’s suffered enough.” “Ah, but I’m helping her. Just like I did with you and Heath.” “Haven’t you learned your lesson yet? Stop meddling.” She said firmly. “I’m sure Julia will find her own way.” “No.” Logan said in a serious tone. “The girl is too naïve. And she’s blinded by her past. If I don’t help her see what she really wants, no one else will.” Claire pursed her lips. “What exactly is it that Julia needs help with?” “Well, it’s not my position to tell you.” he replied. “Just know that I won’t meddle with her nearly as much as I did with you and my son. I’m simply going to allow her to meet the man who will change her and let the two of them see their own future from there.” That reminded Claire that Julia’s apparent weakness was a certain man. She didn’t want to meet him, but from what Logan told her, he was the guy who would make everything right with her. Honestly, Claire didn’t know whether to trust Logan or not. He had gotten involved in her relationship with Heath out of good intent, but it just didn’t turn out right. Julia was different though. Unlike Claire, Julia didn’t know what she wanted. She might’ve convinced herself about what she wanted, but maybe it wasn’t really what would help her in the end. Claire knew from the short conversation she had with Julia that the woman was struggling with something. But was Logan’s solution the right answer? “Trust me, Claire.” Logan suddenly said. “I don’t hold a grudge against Julia for what she did to me. After all, she was just a child. Even now, she’s still a child who hasn’t grown up. I want to help her overcome her past.” “Look…” Claire sighed. “Even if I did know where Julia was headed, I wouldn’t tell you. Besides, you say you don’t hold a grudge, but you were still blackmailing her! You’re practically a criminal!” Logan didn’t sound worried. “I wasn’t going to go through with my threat even if she did go against our agreement.” “I wouldn’t label making her meet a guy she doesn’t really like as a threat. That’s sort of being extreme, isn’t it?” He didn’t reply, and Claire twitched out of suspicion. “Did you threaten her with something else?” “Well then…” Logan released a breath, as if his business was done with. “It was nice talking with you, Claire. But I must pursue other matters.” She could hear the sly smirk on his lips, but before Claire could say anything, Logan hung up. Slowly, she set the phone back down. “Is Julia going to be okay?” Claire muttered to herself. Probably not. If Logan was getting himself involved, her life would most likely take a turn for the worse. Claire glanced at the clock again and saw that it was the time when Mai usually came to the hotel to pick up her daughter and son. After she stood up from her desk, Claire decided that it was best to stretch out her legs and visit the kids in the daycare. She felt as if she hadn’t seen them in a long time, even though she had just a few days ago. When she entered the daycare, Claire saw that Elli had been standing by the phone. But once Claire was spotted, she put the phone back down and gave her a look. Claire was confused at first, until she laid eyes on the guardian of Belle and Clay. Instead of their mother, it was their father—Claire’s older brother. “Simon?” Claire said confused. “What are you doing here?” He smiled. “I got off work early and decided to pick the kids up. But don’t you think this is the perfect opportunity to talk to a specific someone?” At first, Claire was confused. But just thinking about a few more seconds made her come to the realization of who exactly it was that Simon wanted to meet. “Shouldn’t you be rushing to get home?” she slowly said. “After all, you got out early. And I’m sure Belle and Clay are eager to go home too.” “I’m sure they’ll want to meet their uncle as well.” Elli could hear their conversation, along with Wyatt. But the two of them were confused as to who Claire and Simon were talking about. Claire didn’t want to amuse them, so she ushered her brother and his kids quickly out of the daycare. Once they were out of ear’s reach from the room, Claire glared at Simon. “He is not their uncle.” “Yet.” Simon crossed his arms over his chest. “Didn’t you tell me you were serious about him? Well, let me see him then. Unless…” he slowly narrowed his eyes. “Did you two break up already?” “We haven’t broken up yet.” Claire said through clenched teeth. “Besides, he’s busy with work. He doesn’t have the time to be teased by you.” “I’m not going to tease him. Didn’t you say you would introduce him to me? Well, introduce him.” Simon looked as if he was a king, waiting to be served. Simon was stubborn and probably wouldn’t go back on his words, but Claire didn’t want him to meet Heath. It wasn’t because she was ashamed of Heath or anything bad. She truly wanted Heath to catch up on his work and Claire was sure he was unprepared for a sudden ambush from her older brother.